accoutrements

"Accoutrements" are just the sort of paraphernalia that can add pizazz to one's day.  My plan this week is to take inventory of my accessories and add a twist as I scout for some new or vintage finds.  The perfect bag, belt, boa, scarf, gloves, or jewelry are all you need to be pulled together.  All things organized for easy access as you dash out the door to spread holiday cheer.

What is your favorite accessory for the Holidays?  Love to know how they are organized? 

The Nutcracker

Yesterday we had the excellent fortune of attending "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center.  One of my favorite dances of all times.  I adore the music, the set, the costumes and the dancers who dedicate themselves to dance.  

We awoke to snow falling and it continued to fall in this dance which was magical.

Uncle Drosselmeir is atop the clock casting shadows that frighten poor Maria (or Clara) as I remember from seeing this as a child.  The Christmas tree that grows is also a magic moment.

My favorite scene are these elegant children at the "party scene", making merry mischief.

A dear friend has two sons that are dancing and we were able to see them on stage.  It is a tremendous feat to make the cast of the Nutcracker as well as perform many shows a during the month of December.  I commend the parents who dedicate themselves to providing such and enriching cultural experience in any of the arts.

What are some performances that make your holidays merry and bright?

sweet swap

Sweet on barters, sweets for illustrations, (pve design artwork)

for blogger, decorator-"High-Heeled Foot in the Door"

Yes, I promised to share my sweets with you and here they are!  We were so delighted with all the sweets on Thanksgiving day.  Our meal lingered for hours and finally after "some"- caught some shut-eye in front of the crackling fire and "some" went for a walk, I prepared the kitchen table with a banquet of sweets for all to get a "sweet on!"

a table of sweets to share

Home-made brownies, bars, fruit, apple pie with sour cream, pumpkin pie with chestnut puree and of course, the delightful Hagen dasz Ice Cream.  Thanks to this lovely gal over here, she sent me boxes and boxes of yummy treats for an illustration, a sweet swap!

I am so sweet on barters.  My very own father loves to tell the story of his Mother -"bartering" when he was born, she gave the Doctor a fresh farm chicken for delivering her son.  

Sharing sweets with one another and giving thanks~

Thankful

Today, I am thankful for you.  I am grateful for the tall oak trees "giving us nature, beauty, strength, life and wisdom"- the above oak leaf and acorns bring Joy to my table.  They set the "Perfect-Beginning" for this day full of grace.  Joy sent these to me.

Here is my table that I had so much fun setting.  

For the place cards, I cut oak leaf, and leaf shapes and painted gold on the edge, then tied them to small pumpkins with bias binding.

Today we have two tables set for a bountiful feast, Turkey and all the trimmings!

This table is for the "grown-ups" but truth be told, I will never grow up!

Outside on my back porch, the beverages are chilling and ready for a thirsty bunch.  Cheers to each of you who brighten my day with your comments, your e-mails and your energy!  Break bread, say grace and raise your glass to one another and give thanks!  Chin Chin!  I have some very special desserts which I shall share with you friday.   To those of you that are unable to be with family, I will think of you too.  Happy Thanksgiving today.

  

belt it

I designed these needlepoint belts and they are still going strong over here.  We have a saying around my place- when we need to save a little or lose a little, we say "tighten the belt - dear!" Well, with Thanksgiving upon us and the current state of the economy, times seem to indicate a little saving is in order, tighten that belt or loosen it, whichever suits you or yours.  

I especially loved designing the bottom one, a fire breathing dragon for my Knight.  Life is all about choices, which one would you belt?  

will power

Painting by my sister Liz Coomes

"The Queen of Seattle"

I have been after my sister to "start her blog" and she would say, "I will"- when I am ready. At last, she got the "will power" and joined the fun over here.   I am thrilled to share with you her talents as well as her ability to always look for the light. She radiates such a positive energy and always looks to share her love of paint as well as joy for life with others. 

As my eldest sister, we have so enjoyed one another's company for many years. She dedicates her life to many a cause and she provided such support when my son came home from the hospital back in September, as did many others.  She actually drove "by herself" from Kentucky to and from, now if that is not will power then what is?   Her willingness to help, to be there, to always spread such cheer is infectious all in the midst of her own family dramas.

Landscape painting by Liz Coomes

We always enjoy comparing notes about our family, the many splendid gifts that our Mother shared along with talented Aunts.  At an early age, we baked, sewed, crafted, made, did and were never ever bored.  We still scratch our heads at how our Mother raised seven of us to find passion in doing a variety of things, dancing, sports, art, music etc.  

pve design of the "love shack" - illustrated for my sister and her husband circa 79 

Welcome my sister with a comment or if you need a painting of some land or somebody, she is the one who will rise to meet your special need.  Just consider how fortunate I am to be born with a strong, sweet and powerful sister.  Welcome Liz today over here.  She will be so glad you did.

cat's meow

The cat's meow or purr in this case, is all about being able to enjoy the moment.  If you have a pet, you will know how an animal can stop time.  All they want is love and a little attention.

This is one of the first of a "sketch" in the works, asking for attention. Purr.

housework

I have a lot of "housework" today, many homes to illustrate and the one thing that I really try to capture is to make one want to feel the soul of the house.  I often wonder what kind of life must be going on inside, what is cooking on the stove, what needs to be folded or washed, and all the love that it takes to make a house work for it's inhabitants.  If there was one thing that you would say that your home needs to work, what would that be?  

good mattes

Time permitting, I love to ship my art finished in a good matte, one that finishes off the work and protects it too.  Framing may also be added on my end or yours.  The above illustration was sent with a generous five inch matte, a double cut, gray and white.

The client added the black matte inside and the simple chic frame.  Ready to hang in your very own gallery!

party people

pve design - "cocktails" illustration

Apologies for the not so great photo of my "party people" illustration.  This happened to be from a wedding that I was booked to illustrate for and it all made my heart beat a bit faster. The party season is approaching like a freight train and I think for fun gifts, I will bring along my sketch pad and draw, new meaning to "working the crowd" - right!   Sounds like a good plan to avoid gaining any holiday excess or to avoid being tempted!  What are your favorite memories of parties that you have given or attended?